marxman
Bronze Member
Hi Everyone,
As with many other people on this forum I''m looking for some advice in buying a tractor. I have just purchased a house on 14 acres of land. 1.5 acres is "lawn" surrounding the house, currently I have a craftsman lawn tractor which may be able to tackle this area at first.
Outside of this area is a barn that used to house horses and goats, an over grown pasture which is fenced in. This area has tree growth but is accessible. I plan on keeping goats, sheep, llamas... some form of small farm animals. There as also a driveway about 200-300 feet of dirt road.
My primary needs for a tractor are:
1) snow removal - I live in New England.
2) brush cutting - in the areas out side of the lawn, there is an old overgrown cart path that I wish to reclaim and use
3) finish mowing - possibly... if the craftsman can't handle it
4) moving rocks - opening parts of an old rock wall
5) driveway / cart path grading
6) other tasks that you do on a small "hobby" farm
I have been looking at whether to get a tractor or a big bore ATV. It seems to me that a tractor will make these tasks easier. Also the PTO will mean any implements won't need another engine.
I think my initial purchase would be the tractor with a FEL. Bearing in mind I would be willing to spend up to about 15k, but hoping to spend nearer to 10k. What size in terms of HP should I be looking at? Would a JD or Kubota Sub Compact be too small and underpowered for my needs?
Thanks in advance for your input, like I said I'm new to tractors so any advice you have would be great.
marc
As with many other people on this forum I''m looking for some advice in buying a tractor. I have just purchased a house on 14 acres of land. 1.5 acres is "lawn" surrounding the house, currently I have a craftsman lawn tractor which may be able to tackle this area at first.
Outside of this area is a barn that used to house horses and goats, an over grown pasture which is fenced in. This area has tree growth but is accessible. I plan on keeping goats, sheep, llamas... some form of small farm animals. There as also a driveway about 200-300 feet of dirt road.
My primary needs for a tractor are:
1) snow removal - I live in New England.
2) brush cutting - in the areas out side of the lawn, there is an old overgrown cart path that I wish to reclaim and use
3) finish mowing - possibly... if the craftsman can't handle it
4) moving rocks - opening parts of an old rock wall
5) driveway / cart path grading
6) other tasks that you do on a small "hobby" farm
I have been looking at whether to get a tractor or a big bore ATV. It seems to me that a tractor will make these tasks easier. Also the PTO will mean any implements won't need another engine.
I think my initial purchase would be the tractor with a FEL. Bearing in mind I would be willing to spend up to about 15k, but hoping to spend nearer to 10k. What size in terms of HP should I be looking at? Would a JD or Kubota Sub Compact be too small and underpowered for my needs?
Thanks in advance for your input, like I said I'm new to tractors so any advice you have would be great.
marc